The three of them entered the modest thatched hut nestled among whispering bamboo. Kaioh Kaku, with his trademark calm presence, reached for a teapot and prepared a cup of tea for Sol Mirek personally.
Master Hiro's eyes nearly bulged at the sight.
Kaku Kaioh poured tea for a guest — a courtesy usually afforded only to visiting dignitaries.
"Sol, your strength has surpassed anything I've witnessed," Kaku said as he took a measured sip. "But your technique still has room to grow."
Sol nodded with earnest focus, "That is precisely why I sought your guidance."
Kaku stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Good. Beginning tomorrow, I will share with you everything I've learned in my 146 years."
His voice bore a mischievous spark. "Though you must promise me one thing."
"Tell me," Sol replied calmly.
"In four months at the Great Raitai Tournament, you must represent Huaguo and defend the Sea Emperor title," Kaku declared, his tone firm. "Let the whole world see what true mastery looks like, and the strength this place has cultivated over a long lineage."
Sol lifted a faint smile. "Competing as a practitioner of this tradition is exactly my aim."
Kaku's cloudy eyes glowed with satisfaction.
"Excellent. You will live here from this day forward." He motioned toward the open space behind the hut. "We will spar daily until you command technique as precisely as strength, but you must control your power, understood?"
Sol studied the tranquil surroundings — bamboo leaves rustling with the breeze, sunlight dancing on emerald shoots — and nodded. This place was befitting serious training.
From that morning onward, Sol trained with Kaioh Kaku without rest.
At first light they were already on the open ground. Kaku shared all of his knowledge, from basic form to advanced principles, withholding nothing.
"Remember," Kaku advised while demonstrating a fluid motion, "martial skill is control. Power without direction is mere brute force."
Sol listened and practiced with relentless focus. To Kaioh Kaku's surprise, Sol's improvement was astonishing. In just two weeks, Sol was wielding his strength with precision previously unseen.
That night, Sol felt a surge deep within him.
Ding, Hanma Bloodline activation progress reached 100%, unlocking a new talent: Ghost Brain.
The moment Ghost Brain activated, something remarkable stirred in Sol's mind. Combat Instinct and this new talent fused.
If Saitama's intuitive reflexes were about instinctive avoidance without thought, and Baki Hanma's strategic Ghost Brain was about predictive calculation, Sol's awakened state blended both. He could evade instinctively while simultaneously analyzing, replicating, and countering technique instantaneously.
This combination elevated his ability beyond mere strength. He could now defend using instinct and Xiaoli while using strategy to copy technique and anticipate weaknesses — a terrifying synergy.
With this breakthrough, Sol was ready to formally learn the Principles of Boxing.
The next morning, Sol stood early in the open space awaiting his teacher.
As the first light of day reached the clearing, Kaioh Kaku emerged from the hut with a curious glance.
"You seem enthusiastic," Kaku observed.
"I want to start Principles of Boxing today," Sol said, stepping forward with determination.
At that moment, a translucent, three‑dimensional image of Kaku appeared before him, accompanied by a small panel shimmering in Sol's vision.
[Select ability to evolve: Principles of Boxing, Extreme Flexibility, Weapon Master, Hidden Weapon Master.]
[Selected: Principles of Boxing]
[Evolution Condition: Defeat Kaioh Kaku (Achieved)]
[Principles of Boxing — the ultimate synthesis of martial efficiency. Techniques like skillful relaxation and Xiaoli are merely parts of a whole. The true martial artist uses every ounce of strength with purpose and precision.]
[Condition met. Evolve Principles of Boxing?]
Sol tapped the confirm button.
Ding, Principles of Boxing evolution initiated, progress 10%.
Suddenly countless martial applications and techniques poured into his awareness, from fundamental stances to refined concepts blending Xiaoli and relaxed strength into combat logic. But he understood them only in fragments — mastery was still distant.
Kaku watched Sol stare into the distance and smiled with amusement.
"Young Sol, what are you daydreaming about? You cannot master these concepts by merely seeing them."
"You still have much to learn. Understanding does not equal mastery," Kaku said gently.
Sol blinked and returned his focus.
"Master is right," he said respectfully.
Kaku nodded, then motioned toward the center of the clearing. "Let us continue with transforming strength into form."
Kaku approached Sol with his hands calmly behind his back.
"Extend your hands," he instructed.
Sol complied. When Kaku placed his aged palm against Sol's wrist, Sol met the force and neutralized it instantly.
Kaku's eyes widened in genuine surprise.
"So soon?" Kaku asked. "Did you practice extra last night?"
Sol shrugged, "I reviewed the key points you shared before bed."
Kaku nodded with approval. "Excellent, truly gifted."
"Now," Kaku continued, "I will apply force with both hands. Let us see if you can handle it."
Without warning, Kaku exerted pressure with both palms. Sol immediately neutralized it again, his wrist adjusting with precision and grace.
"Good," Kaku said with a spark of delight. "Again!"
Their arms locked in a close contest beneath the morning sky. With each exchange, Sol learned faster than any student Kaku had seen. At first it had been a challenge, but now Sol anticipated and countered with subtle ease.
Kaku's astonishment grew.
It was not just proficiency that impressed him — it was Sol's explosive learning speed.
In all his years, Kaku had encountered many martial geniuses, but nothing like this.
Could Sol truly master Principles of Boxing within four months?
Kaku pondered silently, eyes narrowed in thoughtful interest.
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